Mobile Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mobile, Alabama?
Arrest records are public in Mobile, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government entities, including arrest records, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces this transparency by stating that citizens have a fundamental right to inspect and copy public records. Law enforcement agencies in Mobile County are required to maintain these records and make them accessible to ensure accountability in the criminal justice system and to provide the public with information regarding law enforcement activities within their community.
How to Look Up Mobile Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Mobile, Alabama. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following official channels:
Visit the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person at 510 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36603. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Submit a written request to the Mobile Police Department Records Unit at 2460 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606. Include the full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest of the subject.
Access the Mobile County Sheriff's Office online inmate search portal, which is updated daily with current arrest information.
Utilize public access terminals located at the Mobile Municipal Court at 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. These terminals are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Contact the Mobile County Metro Jail Records Department by telephone at (251) 574-8622 to verify if an individual is currently in custody.
Requestors should note that certain processing fees may apply, as established by Mobile County Ordinance § 45-49-121. Standard identification is required for in-person requests, and all remote requests must include proper verification information.
Contents of a Mobile Arrest Record
Mobile County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama Administrative Code § 265-X-2-.03. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Enumeration of all charges filed, including applicable Alabama Code sections
- Arresting agency and officer identification information
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Last known address of the arrested individual
- Case disposition status and court docket number
- Bail or bond amount, if applicable
- Detention facility location, if the subject was remanded to custody
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Alabama Department of Archives and History retention schedules. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, arrest records must be preserved for a minimum of seven years following the final disposition of the case.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Mobile
The expungement process in Mobile County operates under the authority of Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, which provides mechanisms for the removal of certain arrest records from public access. Eligibility criteria for expungement in Mobile include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
- Non-violent felony charges where the case was no-billed by a grand jury
- Misdemeanor charges dismissed via successful completion of a diversion program
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of five years with no subsequent arrests or convictions
The procedural requirements for expungement in Mobile County are as follows:
- Filing a petition with the Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644
- Payment of a $300 administrative filing fee as prescribed by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
- Submission of certified disposition records from the court of original jurisdiction
- Completion of a criminal history background check through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Notification of the Mobile County District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to file an objection
- Judicial review and determination, which may include a hearing if objections are filed
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, certain government agencies retain limited access to expunged records for law enforcement and judicial purposes.
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